Mid-Century Modern Highboy Dressee by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Mid-Century Modern Highboy Dressee by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 44.5 in (113.03 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Cane,Pewter
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5834226113792
American of Martinsville
American of Martinsville is today revered as one of the finest manufacturers of mid-century modern furniture in the United States, but its beginnings were unexpectedly humble.
Well ahead of the Civil War, tobacco was a cash crop in places such as Virginia, and the plant was grown with frequency on farms in Martinsville and elsewhere. In the early 1900s, the business around tobacco was changing and the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was expanding nationally, buying any Virginia factories in reach. Former tobacco producers Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee turned away from the business in 1906 and, with merely $30,000 in capital (and the support of local business leaders), began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company.
In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings. Alongside tallboy dressers and nightstands, Witten and Keesee’s outfit began to offer a range of dining-room sets to the discerning customer. By the 1950s, the name had been changed to American of Martinsville and the brand had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as its variety of furniture styles (Hollywood Regency, chinoiserie). Mass-marketed furniture meant big business in the postwar years and throughout the 20th century in Virginia, and factories owned by companies like Bassett Furniture and American of Martinsville remained busy as suburbanites bought furniture to fill the homes they were moving into.
It isn’t difficult to spot American of Martinsville’s sturdy, solid designs — the lacquered walnut nightstands, mahogany coffee tables and more have long earned the admiration of mid-century modernism enthusiasts. The company’s high profile also owes to prominent attributes that distinguish its well-made vintage furniture, such as the use of wooden slats — inspired by Scandinavian modernism — on hutches and cabinet doors, the famous brass x’s inlaid on the tops of tables and dressers and the stately stacked type of the American of Martinsville logo, which usually appears in drawer interiors. The stamp prominently features an eagle perched atop the lettering, its broad wings spread across the “American” portion.
Besides quality manufacturing, American of Martinsville is additionally recognized for having incorporated the trends of the day. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul Laszlo, the brand was also known for innovations with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company’s most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun’s most popular line was reportedly Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries.
Shop a wide selection of vintage American of Martinsville mid-century modern sideboards, side tables and more on 1stDibs.
- Mid Century Modern highboy/gentlemen’s chest by American of Martinsville.By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Las Vegas, NVMid century modern highboy/gentlemen’s chest by American of Martinsville. Here is a beautiful mid-century highboy dresser which has loads of storage for all your goodies! The top por...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- 1950's Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Burbank, CAOriginal 1950's Mid-Century Modern dresser for sale. Manufactured by American of Martinsville, and very solidly constructed. It has five drawers, and has been professionally refinish...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- Mid Century American of Martinsville Highboy DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Baltimore, MDThis exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville highboy dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsv...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut, Faux Leather
$1,880 Sale Price20% Off - American of Martinsville Vintage Mid Century Modern Highboy Dresser c. 1960sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Denville, NJWe photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives at our warehouse to streamline operations and focus on restoration for current orders. This also enables us to maintain a...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville Mid Century Diamond Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAlbert Parvin for American of Martinsville mid century diamond highboy dresser This dresser measures: 38.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 48 inches high All ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- American of Martinsville Mid-Century Bleached Mahogany and Brass Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in South Bend, INA gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency seven-drawer highboy dresser By American of Martinsville USA, Circa 1960s Bleached mahogany, with brass trim and hardware. ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
